Manicure and pedicure are cosmetic treatments for the nails, which can be done at home or at a salon. The following information provides details on the products used for these treatments, as well as their positive and negative aspects:
Products used for nail care:
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Nail polish: a colored liquid that is applied to the nails to give them a decorative look. Nail polish can contain potentially hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates.
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Nail polish remover: a liquid used to remove nail polish. It can contain acetone, which can cause headaches, dizziness, and skin irritation.
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Artificial nails: fake nails that are glued onto the natural nails. They can be made of various materials such as acrylic, gel, or silk. Artificial nails can damage the natural nails if not applied or removed properly.
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Cuticle oil: an oil used to moisturize the cuticles and the skin around the nails. It can contain natural oils such as jojoba, almond, or avocado oil.
Positive aspects of manicure and pedicure:
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Improved appearance of the nails: Manicure and pedicure can make the nails look clean, polished, and attractive.
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Relaxation: Getting a manicure or pedicure can be a relaxing experience, as it involves soaking the hands or feet in warm water and receiving a massage.
Negative aspects of manicure and pedicure:
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Exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals: Some nail products can contain chemicals that can have serious health effects, such as headaches, dizziness, and skin irritation.
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Risk of infection: If the tools used for manicure and pedicure are not properly sanitized, they can spread infections such as fungal infections or bacterial infections.
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Damage to the natural nails: Artificial nails can damage the natural nails if not applied or removed properly.
Ingredients or materials:
Cosmetics sold on a retail basis to consumers, such as nail polish, must bear a list of ingredients, with the names of the ingredients listed in descending order of predominance. However, the requirement for an ingredient declaration does not apply to products used only at salons and to free samples. Some nail products can contain potentially hazardous chemicals, such as formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalates. It is important to choose products with the least hazardous chemicals in them whenever possible.
